Pep Guardiola on course for an early retirement

22 September 2017 02:59

Pep Guardiola says he will be on the golf course rather than in the dugout in his 70s as the Manchester City boss prepares to welcome former England manager Roy Hodgson to the Etihad Stadium.

Hodgson, 70, became the oldest newly-appointed manager in the Premier League when he took charge at Crystal Palace earlier this month. Guardiola, 24 years Hodgson’s junior, respects the veteran coach but has no intention of emulating the Englishman’s longevity.

“Definitely not, I promise you. I love golf!” the Spaniard said when asked about the prospect of coaching on into his 70s.

Guardiola has no plans to still be managing at 70, like Roy Hodgson. "I love golf!" he says #MCFC

Guardiola said: “It’s the Premier League. I’ve heard from the beginning every single team can beat the others. That’s the best expression I’ve met since I arrived!

“I have a lot of respect (for Palace), from what I saw against Southampton and especially what they did against Burnley, when they created a lot of chances.

“I showed to my players all the chances they created in just two games. They didn’t score but when you see they have (Christian) Benteke, (Ruben) Loftus-Cheek, (Jason) Puncheon or (Andros) Townsend, they have enough quality.The ball would not go in at Burnley for Crystal Palace (Mike Egerton/Empics)

“(My players) have to have respect for the opponent. They have to know they can lose the game. They have to go to sleep tonight knowing they can lose. When that happens we will be closer to winning the game.”

City striker Sergio Aguero will go into the game just two goals short of equalling the club’s all-time scoring record of 177.

Aguero, 29, has scored six goals in six appearances this season, including a hat-trick against Watford last weekend.